Chapter 24
FREYA
Time has seemed to fly by these past six months. My fifth year of residency is almost at an end. I adore working with Pierce, savoring every word of wisdom he has bestowed on me, but now is the time for applying to other hospitals.
I don’t know what’s going to happen, but we’ll figure it out. Pierce encouraged me to apply to hospitals in other states, assuring me we can make it work. It’s not like we aren’t committed to each other. We’re engaged and have set a date for the wedding.
I’ve been going to interviews across the country, but my heart isn’t in it. Every hospital I visit, I’m acutely aware that I left a part of my heart behind in New York with Pierce. He’s open to moving if I get the right offer, but in truth, I don’t want to move out of state. We have a life here in Manhattan. Friends. The club.
We spend as much time in the club as we do in the hospital. Pierce takes my submissive training seriously, adamant that I should continue to learn and explore the lifestyle. We had a long talk about the night he brought Flex to the playroom. I love him for allowing me the opportunity, but I love him even more for the sigh of relief he heaved when I declined.
Recently, I discovered that I really enjoy it when Daddy hog-ties me. We’ve tried everything on the original list he had me fill out, except for anything involving another person. It’s special to me that Pierce is the only man I’ve ever been with, and I know he loves it. When he tells me how precious I am as his submissive, it makes me so proud and happy that I waited.
I know so much of it came from a place of discomfort. There was always something missing. Something I worried was wrong with me. Since meeting Pierce, my life has become a rich tapestry, finally allowing me to see the bigger picture. I know where I fit in. I’m not odd or weird. I’m cherished and praised for being unique. Everyone deserves that level of acceptance from the one they love. I consider myself so lucky to have Pierce be the man who loves me unconditionally.
When I emerge from the first surgery of the day, I’m paged to the Chief of Surgery’s office. Dr. Milligan stepped in while Pierce was suspended during the trial, and I have grown to admire him. He was Pierce’s mentor, so I knew I would learn so much from him.
Unfortunately, they have been interviewing a number of candidates for an attending position here, and they are coming from some of the best residency programs in the country. I didn’t expect any special treatment, and I voiced that to Dr. Milligan when I applied for the job.
My pulse quickens as I reach the Chief’s office, wrapping my knuckles on the door before entering.
“Come in.”
As I step inside, I’m unable to read the esteemed doctor as he beckons me to take a seat.
“I know you’re aware I’ve been interviewing the top neuro residents in the country for a position in Pierce’s department.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And you both entreated me to make the best decision for the hospital and not what suits your relationship, which I appreciate. It isn’t my job to play matchmaker.”
“Of course.”
“That being said, you are an impressive candidate, and I gave you the same consideration afforded to all who applied. ”
“I understand.” This guy has an even better poker face than Pierce. He’s giving nothing away.
“I conducted my final interview yesterday, and it cemented my decision.”
Shit. This isn’t going to go my way. I have offers from John’s Hopkins and Vanderbilt, so I won’t be jobless, but a small part of me was holding out hope for the position here.
“I am pleased to offer you an attending position here at NYU Langone.”
What? I can stay here. With Pierce. Oh my God. I’m an attending at the top neurology hospital in the country.
“Obviously, you have time to consider the offer.” He pushes a manilla envelope across the desk. “I won’t rush you for an answer today, but the sooner you decide, I can make arrangements if I need to contact my second choice.”
My logical, surgical side kicks in, tempering the giddy fiancée in me. Yes, this is what I want, but the terms need to be good for my career moving forward. Pierce has taught me to demand the best and have confidence in my skill.
“Thank you, Dr. Milligan. I will read over the offer and get back to you as soon as possible.”
“Very well.”
With the envelope clutched in my hand, I exit his office and walk as quickly as I can without breaking into a run to the nearest on-call room. They’re usually empty at this time of day, and I just need a minute to gather my thoughts and read over the offer.
I twist the lock on the door before sliding my back down the pale wood until I’m sitting on the floor. My hands are shaking as I tear open the envelope that potentially holds the key to my career path. As much as I love Pierce, I won’t give up my career to make our relationship easier, and I know he wouldn’t want that either.
I gingerly tease the papers from the envelope, my heart racing as I read over the first page. My hand flies to my mouth to hold in the gasp that escapes me.
The offer is good.
The offer is really good .
The hospital is going to pay off my student loans on top of a very generous salary.
My face is sore from smiling too hard.
I pull my phone out of my pocket and fire off a quick text to Pierce, telling him to come find me when he has a minute. I’m so happy, I can’t wait to share the news with him. This is the culmination of so many years of tireless work, studying, night shifts, and sacrifices. It almost feels too good to be true.
I transferred to NYU Langone this year because I wanted to study under the best neurosurgeon in the country at the leading hospital for neurology. It was a dream come true when I got news of my transfer. I never could’ve imagined that he’d be the love of my life.
To have found such love in a kink club only makes me love him more. He has opened my mind and heart to so many new and exciting experiences. I’ve done things that scared me, thrilled me, and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
I love being his submissive. I respect him as my Dom, and it fills me with pride to know that he chose me and continues to choose me every single day.
There’s a knock at the door, and it startles me even though I’m expecting Pierce.
“It’s me, little one.”
A thrill courses through me as I pull him inside.
He fists his hands in my hair, leaning down to capture my lips in a heart-stopping kiss.
I lean my forehead against Pierce’s. “Did you mean what you said?”
“What?”
“That you’ll never get enough of me.”
“One thousand percent. You’re mine. I’ll always want more.”
“Then I guess it’s good that I just got offered an attending position here.”
He lifts my chin, searching my gaze for any sign that I’m kidding. “Really? Are you serious? Milligan gave you an offer?”
“Yes. And a great offer at that. ”
His face sobers for a moment. “You have other offers, though. Is there one that you favor, little one? John’s Hopkins is an amazing opportunity.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
His brow furrows at the allegation. “Of course not, but I also don’t want to hold you back. You have to make the decision that’s best for your career.”
“I have.”
“You’ve made up your mind?”
“Yes. Take your cock out of the equation for a moment,” I jibe. “NYU Langone is the top facility in the country for my specialty. I would be an idiot to turn it down. They are willing to pay off my student loans, and the salary package is generous.”
“Wow. That’s amazing.”
“But the best part, and the part I’m most excited about… I get to continue to work alongside one of the best neurosurgeons in the world. The fact that I love deepthroating his cock is an added bonus.”
“You’re really going to work here with me?”
“Yes. Why are you so surprised? We’re getting married.”
“Because no one has ever chosen me. I’ve never known anything else.” His words make my eyes well with tears.
“I chose you, Pierce. The job is great, but in the end, there was never any contest for the other offers I’ve had. Don’t tell Dr. Milligan, but I would’ve taken any offer he put forth because it meant being here with you. I want to start our life together now. No holds barred. No long-distance relationship. I want to come home to you every night in our home. I will always choose you.”
He picks me up and spins us around before planting a heartfelt kiss on my lips. “I fucking love you, Freya.” His lips descend on mine, but we’re quickly interrupted by our pagers going off.
Pierce gives me one of those wickedly delicious grins of his. “How good an offer did he give you?”
“Three hundred.”
“That’s my girl! Know your worth.” He gives me a quick kiss before grabbing his pager. “You’re with me in the ER. You got enough energy for surgery? It’s going to be a long day.”
“Of course. I’ve always got the energy for surgery.”
“And that’s one of the many things I love about you, little one. You are fucking fierce in the walls of this hospital. I’m looking forward to working with you as a colleague rather than a mentor.”
“Let’s go and save a life together, Dr. Harrison.”
He opens the door, holding it for me. “After you, Dr. Perrington. I would follow you anywhere.”
“Thank you,” I push myself onto my tiptoes before whispering in his ear, “Daddy.”
“You’re going to be the death of me.”
“But what a way to go, right?”
The second we step out into the hallway, we take off at a run, ready to face the world and save lives. Together .
What a gift to find my soulmate here at work where and when I least expected it. I had such determination that I would explore the lifestyle while keeping my professional life completely separate. Fate had other plans, and I bow at her feet, knowing I’m the luckiest woman, submissive, surgeon, and soon-to-be wife .
I will spend every day of the rest of my life being thankful for the man beside me. For the journey he faced and the hardships he fought to be in Venom that night, my masked stranger. He opened himself up to me and let me find myself in him. A strong submissive, his little one . He will forever be my Daddy Dom.